OSHA Inspection: CLIFFORD W. ESTES, CO., INC.

Issued

Nov 16, 2012

Abate by

Dec 13, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,940 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(2): Ladderway floor opening(s) or platform(s) were not guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard(s) on all exposed sides (except at the entrance to opening) with passage through the railing either provided with a swinging gate or so offset that a person could walk directly into the opening:    Employees were exposed to falls from heights during cleaning operations above the blenders and while retrieving chemicals and mixing containers from the storage area located above the offices in the production area. In both instances there was insufficient and missing railing.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 16, 2012

Abate by

Dec 13, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,940 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.27(d)(1)(iii): Fixed ladders. Cages did not extend a minimum of 42 inches above the top of landing, and other acceptable protection was not provided.    Employees were exposed to falls from heights during cleaning operations. Employees were required to climb fixed ladders and clean the blenders. The cage on the blenders did not extend 42 above the top of the blender.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 16, 2012

Abate by

Jan 13, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section:    The employer failed to develop specific energy control procedures for the blenders, screw conveyors and sand elevators.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 16, 2012

Abate by

Dec 13, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,200 · Current $2,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii): An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operators performance was not conducted at least once every 3 years    Employer failed to certify that each authorized forklift operator had been trained and evaluated every three years. Employees were operating powered industrial vehicles to load and unload materials received and to transport material to the different workstations.      Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 16, 2012

Abate by

Dec 13, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7): Industrial trucks were not examined before being placed in service, or were placed in service if the examination showed conditions adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle    Employer failed to inspect the powered industrial vehicles before permitting employees operate the trucks. Back-up light on Hyster 45 was not working.     Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).

Issued

Nov 16, 2012

Abate by

Dec 13, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:    The employer failed to properly guard the east coast screw conveyor. Panels and covers for the auger were not secured.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 16, 2012

Abate by

Dec 13, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,680 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprocket wheels and chains which were seven -7 feet or less above floors or platforms were not enclosed:    The employer failed to properly guard chains and sprockets on line 2.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 16, 2012

Abate by

Dec 13, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2): Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling    The employer failed to use electrical equipment, relocatable power strips according to listed or labeled instructions. These outlet extensions that are meant to supply office equipment, such as computers, audio and video equipment. For more details refer to UL white book and manufacturers instructions.    Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).

Issued

Nov 16, 2012

Abate by

Dec 13, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,200 · Current $2,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Flexible cords and/ or cables were used for purposes prohibited by paragraphs (A) through (F) of 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(a)    The employer was using many extension cords for power tools, fans and attachments to Line 1, Line 2 and the Preblender. The majority of these extension cords were wrapped around the fixed metal ladders that employees use to access the blenders to monitor operations and for cleaning purposes. Other cords were on the floor near the work stations. Extension cords were attached using tie-wraps and tape.     Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).